Methodology
The Ranking Cycle
How schools enter the index, when rankings move, and the dates that govern both.
The 2027-28 Edition publishes in
Rule 1
One edition a year, published 1 September
The ranking is recut once a year and published on 1 September. Positions hold for twelve months. Movement arrows compare each school against the previous edition's archived snapshot — never against a moving target.
Rule 2
The data freeze is 15 July
All evidence — from schools or from our own research desk — must be received by 15 July to count toward that September's edition. The six weeks between freeze and publication are used for verification, scoring and editorial review.
Rule 3
Two ways in
Schools enter the index either by editorial selection — our research desk adds schools it judges the index needs, ranked immediately at their score-determined position — or by self-submission, reviewed for a $100 non-refundable fee. The fee covers analyst time and has no bearing on the outcome.
Rule 4
Submitted schools must justify entry
A submission is evaluated against the same sub-metrics as every ranked school, using the school's own evidence and independent third-party research, calibrated against benchmark anchor schools. Schools scoring below our evidentiary floor are declined — either for insufficient evidence or because they are not yet ready. Every school receives a decision within 14 days.
Rule 5
Accepted schools enter as "Nominated"
Schools accepted during the year are classified Nominated: profiled in full, displayed after ranked schools, and holding no position until the next 1 September edition — currently the 2027-28 Edition — when they are ranked for the first time.
Rule 6
Ranked schools can strengthen their record all year
Existing schools may submit updated evidence and corrections at any time up to the 15 July freeze. Verified improvements feed the next edition's scores.
Represent a school that belongs here?
Submit it for review — decision within 14 days.